Election Information

September1,2012

Prayer before an election
Lord God, as the election approaches,
we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our city/state/country,
and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community.
We ask for eyes that are free from blindness
so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters,
one and equal in dignity,
especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty.
We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned,
Men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.
We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom.
We pray for discernment
so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word,
live your love,
and keep in the ways of your truth
as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles
and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace.
We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen. (USCCB.org)

Another big election year is upon us as political ads fill the airways, campaign bumper stickers appear on more vehicles and yard signs increase across the nation.

In a pastoral letter this past July, Bishop Doherty encouraged the faithful of parishes to be aware of the sources which information is received and to utilize news services of the diocese and United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

Catholic Bishops throughout the United States have also made many sources available at USCCB.org that explain faithful citizenship, forming a conscience, and answering the call to participate as citizens of our nation.

Ministry Dos and Don'ts during election time:

1. Please do not forward or include political information or multimedia links with ministry emails to other parish volunteers.

2. Please do not hold political conversations during ministry group gatherings or hand out materials for a specific campaign or candidate.

3. Please refer volunteers and parishioners to the USCCB.org or the parish office for information on voting, church teachings and faithful citizenship. There are even prayers available at the USCCB's website that would be great to incorporate with group prayer during ministry gatherings.

4. If you have any further questions about election messages, please inquire with Father O'Keeffe or Father Roberts.

Parish Policy: During this election season, our parish will be utilizing materials from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship. Distribution of other election-related materials on church property, or within ministry electronic mail messages, will not be permitted. Among other activities, posting fliers or signs, passing out campaign literature, and leaving unauthorized materials anywhere in the building or on car windshields, are prohibited. We appreciate your compliance with this policy. Ministries wanting to have something for their volunteers regarding the elections should speak with their parish staff liaison or a priest first. Thank you!